Rider to defund net rules passes

An amendment that would block funding of the Federal Communications Commission’s new net neutrality order cleared the House on Thursday, on a 244-181 vote that fell mostly along party lines.

The measure is now part of the continuing resolution the House will continue debating this week. It further sets the stage for a political showdown over the FCC’s open Internet order – especially if Republicans find a way to add it to their version of the spending plan, though doing so could prove politically impractical.

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The vote arrives a day after both House and Senate Republicans introduced twin resolutions of disapproval, as they formally seek to overturn the FCC’s net neutrality rules. The Senate proposal, in particular, has enough signatures to force it onto the calendar, but it is likely President Barack Obama would veto it.

Earlier in the day, by a voice vote, the House voted in favor of the amendment, but a recorded vote was requested.

“I am pleased that my colleagues in the House accepted my amendment to ensure the FCC does not have the funds to implement the controversial Internet regulations,” Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), author of the measure, said in a statement. He referred to it is a “stop-gap” solution and said he would work toward “passing a more permanent solution.”

That vote represents the most serious legislative threat to net neutrality yet. As part of the budget bill needed to fund the government, it will be difficult to veto if it reaches President Barack Obama’s desk.

There were no surprises in the debate preceding the vote.

Staunch Democratic supporters of net neutrality came out against the amendment.

"We shouldn’t use the appropriations process to stop the FCC from doing its job," said Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Republicans argued passionately in favor it.

“If you believe that the miracle of innovation [the Internet] took place… because the government got out of its away, you would support this amendment,” Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) said.